Summary

Ben, a dialysis patient, has received positive news as his dialysis frequency is reduced from three times a week to two due to improved blood work and partial kidney function, despite initial concerns and complications with his arm fistula and external catheter.

Abstract

Ben's dialysis journey, detailed in the 26th chapter of an ongoing series, has taken a turn for the better. After experiencing issues with his arm fistula and external catheter, including bleeding and uncertainty regarding the best method for dialysis, Ben's nephrologist has decided to decrease his dialysis sessions from three to two times a week. This change is a result of Ben's favorable blood test results and the fact that he retains some kidney function, which is not the case for all dialysis patients. The reduction in dialysis frequency is expected to give Ben's arm a much-needed rest and represents a significant improvement in his condition, offering a glimmer of hope and relief to both Ben and his caregiver.

Opinions

The author initially believed that an external catheter posed a higher risk of infection than using Ben's arm for dialysis and was concerned about the repeated needle insertions required for the fistula method.
The author was skeptical about the possibility of reducing the frequency of dialysis treatments, considering it to be a rare occurrence based on a previous conversation with Dr. E.
The author has consistently enforced a strict diet for Ben, which is credited as one of the reasons for the improvement in his blood work.
There is a sense of relief and optimism now that Ben's condition has allowed for fewer dialysis sessions, which the author sees as a significant positive development in their ongoing struggle with Ben's kidney disease.

Good News — Finally!

Our dialysis story — chapter 26

Last Monday, following the angioplasty of Ben’s fistula the week before, the nurses again began using his arm, rather than his external catheter, for dialysis.

He came home with his upper puncture area bulkily wrapped in bandages with instructions to remove the dressing at 8:30 pm. He took the bandaging off at 9:00; immediately, the puncture started to bleed. I cleaned the area and re-bandaged it. The same thing happened at 2 am. When we once again removed the dressing at 9 am, the bleeding had stopped.

I called the doctor who performed the angioplasty. He was out of town. Amy, his nurse, said she’d text him. I didn’t hear back from her or the doctor.

I understand that the external catheter presents a greater risk for infection, but it seems to be a better way to perform dialysis than sticking needles into someone three times a week. When we were first told about the fistula surgery, I imagined a permanent port in his arm. I never thought he’d become a human pin-cushion.

After Monday’s dialysis, the nurse said to leave the bandaging on his arm all night. That worked — no bleeding in the morning.

Hmm, none of that sounds much like good news, does it?

Friday, Ben’s nephrologist visited the clinic, studied all of Ben’s blood work, and instructed the nurses to decrease his dialysis visits from three times a week to two times a week!

That’s not just good news — it’s great news!

Starting today, he goes only on Mondays and Fridays, which will give his arm a much-needed rest, although that’s not the reason for the change. The reason is that Ben’s blood looks very good, partially due to the strict diet I enforce. Also, he does have some kidney function while many patients don’t, requiring them to rely 100% on dialysis.

Dr. E will keep a close eye on Ben’s blood work, but, at least for now, Ben’s results are good enough to spare him four hours of dialysis each week.

While we were at the emergency room in May, waiting for Ben to be admitted to start dialysis, Dr. E came by and met with us. He mentioned the possibility that once Ben started outpatient dialysis, his number of visits per week may decrease. I asked if that happens often. He replied: